Pistorius cancels Sydney, Perth appearances

South African track star Oscar Pistorius will not race in Australia after being charged with the murder of his girlfriend.

The double amputee was due to compete in the Sydney and Perth legs of the 2013 Australian Athletics Tour in March.

The with the Valentine's Day murder of Reeva Steenkamp, 29, who was shot dead at his luxury Pretoria home.

The athlete's agent, Peet van Zyl of In Site Athlete Management, said Pistorius's racing commitments in Sydney and Perth were not a priority after the murder charge and Steenkamp's death.

Pistorius's contract for a high-profile rematch next month with fellow double-amputee Alan Oliveira to promote the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics has also been scrapped.

The decision to cancel Pistorius' appearances was made to "allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings and to help and support all those involved as they try to come to terms with this very difficult and distressing situation," van Zyl said in a statement.

"I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in."

Van Zyl said that Pistorius's sponsors and partners are supportive of the decision.

"I can confirm that at this point in time, all parties are supportive and their contractual commitments are maintained. They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position," he said.

Pistorius was also due to compete at the Drake Relays in Iowa and the Manchester City Games in England.